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Commodities
Commodities 45 Indian power plants face critically low coal stocks as monsoon hits supply
India's Central Electricity Authority data showed 45 power plants with critically low coal stocks as of August 25, up from 31 at end-July. Monsoon rains hit mining and transport in Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, while weaker-than-normal rainfall lifted electricity demand. BigMint reported stocks fell 19% in August to 30.95 million tonnes, about 10 days of operation.
Commodities Gold, Silver Price Prediction: MCX Gold Targets Rs 170,000 as Bullish Bias Firms
MCX Gold is trading at Rs 161,900 with a target of Rs 170,000, while silver eyes resistance at Rs 249,000 and then Rs 256,000. Abhilash Koikkara of Nuvama Professional Clients Group maintains a bullish bias on both metals, citing descending triangle breakouts and consolidation above key supports.
Commodities Crude Oil Prices Fall as Diplomacy Eases West Asia Supply Concerns
Crude oil futures fell on Thursday as diplomatic efforts in West Asia eased supply concerns. Brent for November slipped 0.40% to $86.59, while WTI October dropped 0.41% to $81.89. US crude inventories rose marginally, with a Qatari prime ministerial visit to Tehran and Iran-Oman talks over the Strait of Hormuz in focus.
Commodities Ofgem Moves Against Phantom Data Centers Jamming UK Power Grid Queue
The UK's grid connection queue ballooned from 41 GW to 125 GW between November 2024 and June 2025, driven by speculative data center projects that may never be built. Ofgem proposed nonrefundable deposits and stricter requirements to clear the logjam, but faces a risk of driving legitimate projects abroad.
Commodities Brent crude remains above $90 per barrel as Hormuz operations remain disrupted
Brent crude held above $90 per barrel in early Thursday trade, up 0.41% to $92, while WTI rose 0.32% to $84.66, as the US-Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption kept the risk premium intact. Conflicting US and Iranian statements on the strait's status slowed shipping, while the UAE suspended financial transactions with Iran. Meanwhile, US crude inventories climbed 4.4 million barrels, topping expectations for a 600,000-barrel draw.
Commodities Sustainable Natural Rubber Forum charts 2030 vision for resilient, sustainable sector
The Sustainable Natural Rubber Forum 2026 in Kochi, convened by ANRPC and hosted by the Rubber Board, outlined a digital, smallholder-centred vision for natural rubber by 2030. India's BSNR platform has mapped 56,000 hectares with a 150,000-hectare target, while the INROAD project has invested ₹1,100 crore in tribal smallholders. Stakeholders stressed EUDR readiness, traceability and climate-positive carbon credit potential.
Commodities Global Palm Oil Prices Seen Surging on Narrow Production Surplus
Global palm oil prices are set to rise as the 2026-27 season production surplus narrows from 2025-26, with BMI lifting its 2026 CPO price forecast to MYR4,453/tonne. Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate and El Nino risks tighten export supply, while Rabobank sees elevated prices through 2031. Buyers face sourcing challenges and tighter fundamentals.
Sugar leaves bitter taste as retailers impose caps
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Commodities Diesel Prices Above $5.60 as Refining Crisis, Not Crude, Drives Market
On-road diesel prices hit the high $5.60s as crack spreads surged above $100 per barrel, far beyond the normal $15–$25 range, according to a FreightWaves interview with Aaron Decker, CEO of Multi-Service Fuel Card. Decker said the problem is refining capacity, not crude, with Ukrainian drone strikes and record-low distillate inventories tightening supply. He expects diesel to remain above $5 for the foreseeable future.
Commodities Billionaire Thomas Kaplan Sees Gold at $50,000 an Ounce, Calls Tenfold Rise Inevitable
Billionaire investor Thomas Kaplan, chairman of Electrum, told Kitco News that gold could climb to $50,000 an ounce, or about Rs 15 lakh per 10 grams, calling a tenfold advance inevitable. With bullion near $4,600, Kaplan compares the current pullback to the 1987 crash — the 'best buying opportunity of the entire bull market.'
Commodities India's Lower Sugar Quota for Domestic Sales Failed to Tame Demand, Says Industry
India's lower monthly sugar sales quotas failed to tame demand, with wholesale prices surging to Rs 6,036 per quintal by August 26, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Mills dispatched 7% more sugar than allotted between October 2025 and May 2026, while ISMA estimates closing stocks at just 36 lakh tonnes by September 30.
Commodities Indian retail, mill gate sugar prices drop after nearly two-month rally
Sugar prices in India declined in mill-gate and retail markets on Monday after a nearly two-month rally, following government measures including duty-free raw sugar imports of 1 million tonnes and tighter stock limits for bulk users. Ex-mill S-30 grade prices in Maharashtra fell over 10 per cent from the August 20 peak. Global raw and white sugar futures also weakened.
Commodities Onion prices surge 45% YoY; Centre to roll out Kanda Express from Monday
Average onion prices in India rose to Rs 42/kg on Saturday, 45% higher than a year ago, prompting the Centre to run Kanda Express trains from Nasik to Delhi, Chennai, Kochi and Guwahati. NAFED and NCCF have procured 1.2 lakh tonnes as buffer stock, while Maharashtra's kharif onion output is reported down 5-7%. Sugar prices also firmed to Rs 62.5/kg in the national retail market.
Commodities Indian refiners widen oil search as Ukrainian attacks hurt Russian crude flows
Indian refiners are cutting Russian crude purchases after Ukrainian attacks disrupted export flows, turning to West Africa, the Americas and the Persian Gulf for replacement barrels. Imports of Russian crude are expected to fall to about 2 million barrels a day this month, down from around 2.8 million in July, according to Kpler.
Commodities India's rice exports to 26 priority markets outpace three-year average
India's rice exports to 26 priority markets totalled ₹23,476 crore and 4.79 million tonnes between November 2025 and March 2026, exceeding the three-year average by 1.1% in value and 5.6% in volume. Eleven of 26 markets saw year-on-year growth in both value and volume, led by the UAE. The industry is shifting toward promoting specific Indian rice varieties through culinary pairings at BIRC 2026.
Commodities Gold Rates Hold Steady Across Indian Cities on August 26; 22-Carat at ₹15,090 Per Gram
Gold prices in India were unchanged on August 26, with 22-carat gold at ₹15,090 per gram nationally, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. City-wise rates across Coimbatore, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Surat, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh and other centres held flat. The report provided no international spot data or week-over-week comparisons.
Commodities Gold Price Prediction Today: Why Gold Prices Are Rising — August 26, 2026 Outlook
Gold has rebounded sharply in August, gaining 14% month-to-date, supported by lower US Treasury yields, a weaker dollar and strong ETF inflows of $6.4 billion last week. The near-term outlook hinges on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech and core PCE inflation data, with spot gold at $4,650/oz. Silver has also rebounded, with the Silver Institute projecting a sixth consecutive annual market deficit in 2026.
Commodities Sugar Falls as Weaker India Prices Curb Import Expectations
Raw sugar futures fell as much as 3% in New York to 17.13 cents/lb and white sugar dropped 3.9% in London after easing local prices in India reduced expectations for imports. India's new 1 million-ton duty-free import allowance and a redirection of advance-imported sugar reduce the need for fresh cargoes, according to analysts. Dry weather in Brazil and slipping crude prices add to bearish sentiment.
Commodities SLB named strategic reservoir partner for Havstjerne North Sea carbon storage project
SLB has been selected as strategic reservoir partner for the Havstjerne carbon storage project in the Norwegian North Sea, providing technology and engineering services for concept and FEED phases. The project, operated by Harbour Energy with Stella Maris CCS, received €225m from the EU Innovation Fund in 2025 and confirmed reservoir quality through an appraisal well drilled that year.
Commodities Deadly Fire at Russia's Amur Polymer Hub Clouds Launch of Asian Export Stream
A deadly fire at Russia's $12bn Amur Gas Chemical Complex has thrown uncertainty over the imminent launch of a massive new polymer export stream destined largely for Asian markets, according to Splash247. Seven people were killed and more than 130 injured in the incident during commissioning. The complex, a Sibur-Sinopec joint venture, was set to produce 2.3 million tonnes of polyethylene and 400,000 tonnes of polypropylene annually.
Commodities Crystal Crop launches DOMINARIS solution for management of downy mildew in grapes
Crystal Crop Protection Ltd has launched DOMINARIS, a technology-led solution for managing downy mildew in grapes. The product features a dual mode of action, strong acropetal movement and rain fastness, and is designed to protect foliage and support uniform bunch development. Company executives said it helps safeguard crop health, quality and profitability for grape growers.
Commodities India's rice exports to 26 markets rise despite challenges; BIRC 2026 to drive diversification
India's rice exports to a 26-market basket reached Rs 23,476 crore, with volumes of 4.79 million tonnes in the November-March period, beating the prior three-year average. Growth was led by the UAE, Belgium and Germany, with 11 of 26 markets rising in both value and volume. BIRC 2026 aims to shift India from volume-led to application-led rice export diversification, including an ITC Hotels-curated Global Rice Festival.
Commodities Gold Holds Near Three-Month High as Dollar Weakens; Silver Trades Mixed on Profit Taking
Gold held near a three-month high at $4,646.08 per ounce on Aug 26, supported by a softer dollar and US Treasury buyback plans, after posting a 3.2% weekly gain. Silver diverged, falling 1.04% to $67.88 as traders booked profits, while Indian gold prices rose for a fourth straight session in Delhi.
Commodities Crude oil futures fall on MCX to ₹8,286 per barrel on weak global cues
Crude oil futures on MCX fell to ₹8,286 per barrel on weak global trends and soft spot demand. WTI dropped 0.58% to $86.33 and Brent fell 0.35% to $93.45, according to a PTI report published by The Hindu BusinessLine.
Commodities UP Sugarcane Dues: Over 94% of Farmer Payments Cleared in Current Season
Uttar Pradesh has cleared over 94% of sugarcane dues to farmers in the current crushing season, with 99 sugar mills achieving 100% payment. An official statement from the Cane Development Department reported record crushing of 9,220 lakh tonnes over nine years and direct transfer of Rs 3.25 lakh crore to farmers, alongside higher productivity and sugar recovery rates.
Commodities Firms Scramble for Battery Power in Spain and Portugal After Blackout
A massive April 2025 power cut that plunged Spain and Portugal into darkness led industrial firms such as Spanish meat processor Fribin to invest in battery back-up systems. Spanish battery storage capacity rose almost sevenfold, from 28 MW to 193 MW, while a 2,400 MW pipeline of EU-funded storage projects is under way.
Commodities Winter Energy Prices to Hit Three-Year High as Wholesale Gas Volatility Drives UK Cap
Analysts expect Ofgem to raise its winter price cap by 4% to a three-year high, driven by a 61% rise in wholesale gas prices over the past three months. Cornwall Insight forecasts a typical household will pay £1,729 a year from October, up from £1,663. Energy UK reports total consumer energy debt has reached £6bn and may hit £7bn by year-end.
Commodities India's July crude steel output rises 1.9% to 14.4 mt even as global output slips
India's crude steel production rose 1.9 per cent year-on-year to 14.4 million tonnes in July, even as global output slipped 0.3 per cent, according to worldsteel. India retained the No. 2 producer slot with January-July output up 6.1 per cent at 101.1 mt, while China's July output fell 3.6 per cent. worldsteel forecasts 2026 global steel demand growth of just 0.3 per cent.
Commodities Indian Agriculture Minister asks ICAR to tackle onion price gap
India's all-India modal onion price reached Rs 50/kg on Tuesday, with Punjab and Delhi prices up 130% and 83% respectively over three months. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked ICAR to reduce the farm-retail price gap and questioned trader-driven inflation. The government is dispatching buffer-stock onions via 'Kanda Express' rail rakes to sell at Rs 35/kg in Delhi, amid a buffer stock of 1.21 lakh tonnes for 2026.
Commodities Benchmark diesel price is now highest since war began
The DOE/EIA average weekly retail diesel price rose 19.8 cents/gallon to $5.652/g, its highest level since military action against Iran began in early March. ULSD futures on the CME reversed course, falling 22.72 cents/gallon after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled a shift to economic pressure on Iran. Bullish diesel-specific factors including Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries continue to underpin the market.
Commodities Blueberry nutrition seminar in Chennai draws over 100 health and food professionals
The US Highbush Blueberry Council held its Nutrition Seminar 2026 in Chennai, bringing together more than 100 nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare professionals, food processors and R&D experts. Speakers reviewed latest research on anthocyanins and blueberry health benefits, showcased culinary applications across Indian formats, and discussed translating scientific findings into dietary guidance for Indian consumers.
Commodities TNAU forecasts ₹65-70/kg groundnut prices at harvest
TNAU's DEMIC has forecast groundnut prices at ₹65-70 a kg for the upcoming harvest, based on 25 years of price data from Tindivanam and Sevur markets. India, the world's second-largest groundnut producer, harvested 119.42 lakh tonnes in 2024-25, while trade sources expect arrivals to decline amid monsoon fluctuations.
Commodities Sugar ex-mill prices fall 18% to Rs 55 per kg after record high
Ex-mill sugar prices in India fell 18% to Rs 55 per kg after touching a record Rs 67 per kg last week, according to a Business Today report. Food secretary Sanjeev Chopra attributed the drop to the government's decision to allow sugar imports and action against hoarding and speculation. Production for 2025-26 is estimated at 306 lakh tonnes, against annual domestic demand of 280-285 lakh tonnes.
Commodities Wars and Export Curbs Now Hit More Than 43% of World's Oil Supply
Wars, attacks and export curbs now touch more than 43% of the world's oil supply, equal to about 45 million barrels a day of 2025 production, according to Reuters calculations based on IEA data. The Gulf disruption alone is estimated at 5–7 million barrels per day, while conflicts have cut global refining capacity by a tenth. With IEA emergency stockpile releases largely complete and inventories declining, crude and fuel markets face a thinning safety buffer.
Commodities India emerges as new ‘swing supplier’ of refined oil products as Middle East crisis reshapes
India is emerging as a global 'swing supplier' of refined oil products, with Singapore becoming its largest export destination at $4.3 billion. Refinery capacity expansion, discounted Russian crude and supply disruptions in Russia and the Middle East are driving the shift, according to Business-Today.
Commodities 'Resale' sugar prices drop in India even as retail rates soar to a new high
Resale sugar prices in key Indian states dropped ₹400-500 a quintal after the government allowed 1 million tonnes of raw sugar imports, while retail prices rose to a record ₹58.15 per kg. Global raw and white sugar futures also slipped, and production estimates for 2026-27 were trimmed to ~306 lakh tonnes.
Commodities Hanwha establishes Hanwha Horizon USA to build US LNG trading and logistics arm
Hanwha Aerospace has created Hanwha Horizon USA, a new US company that will serve as the control tower for the conglomerate's global LNG operations, combining procurement, trading and logistics. The venture will initially supply Hanwha Energy's Yeosu power plant in South Korea before expanding LNG sales to utilities across Asia, according to Splash247.
Commodities India readies year-wise drilling, rig deployment roadmap for Samudra Manthan
India’s Oil Ministry is finalising a year-wise roadmap for drilling, seismic surveys and rig deployment under the $8.8 billion Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme. The programme, backed by ₹84,000 crore in Phase-1 funding, targets 10-15 million tonnes of oil equivalent of incremental annual production.
Commodities Equinor, Aker BP and Vår Energi join forces on Norwegian Continental Shelf exploration
Equinor, Aker BP and Vår Energi have formed a strategic exploration collaboration on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. They plan to mature and test 20-25 opportunities over four to five years, aiming to drill around five high-impact wells annually. The effort supports reliable European energy supplies amid an expected post-2035 production decline.
Commodities Gold Prices Rise Across Indian Cities on Aug 20; Bengaluru Posts Higher Gains
Gold prices in India rose across all seven cities tracked by The Hindu BusinessLine on August 20, 2026, with 22-carat gold up ₹395 per gram in most metros and 24-carat up ₹415. Bengaluru posted larger gains of ₹404 and ₹425 per gram. Kolkata had the highest rates at ₹14,750 per gram for 22-carat and ₹15,488 for 24-carat.
Commodities Somerset cider apple crop decimated by drought, producers warn
Somerset's cider apple orchards have been 'decimated' by drought, with producers like Honey's Cider seeing only 10% of a normal crop. Neil MacDonald lost half his apples before ripening, and Rich's Cider will skip harvesting one orchard. Strong summer cider sales have emptied tanks, leaving makers unable to refill them for next year.
Commodities Agrograde installs automated onion grading system at Pimpalgaon market in Nashik
Agrograde has installed its GradePlus Pro automated onion grading system at a farmer producer company in Pimpalgaon, Nashik district. The system processes up to 10 tonnes per hour, cuts grading labour by nearly 80%, and brings grading costs to almost ₹0.05 per kg, according to the company. The deployment targets a key export-market issue: mechanical damage to the thin skin of Indian onion varieties.
Commodities Coffee Board and SCAI announce third India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru for February 2027
The Coffee Board of India and the Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI) announced the third India International Coffee Festival (IICF 2027), scheduled for Bengaluru in February 2027, with participation expected from over 50 countries. Organisers cited rising global demand for Indian coffee and an expanding domestic speciality coffee culture as the backdrop to the event.
Commodities Copper futures hover near ₹1,365 support as sideways trend persists
Copper futures hover at ₹1,370/kg near key support at ₹1,365, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. The August contract has ranged between ₹1,365 and ₹1,400 since August 5. Analysts see a likely rally to ₹1,430 if support holds, with downside targets at ₹1,350 and ₹1,325 on a breach.
Commodities Govt to offer city gas distributors 200 SCM extra gas to push household PNG switch
India's oil ministry will provide city gas distributors an additional 200 SCM of lower-priced APM gas for every new billed household PNG connection above a set threshold, effective September 1. The incentive is designed to cut the payback period for PNG connections to about three years from around 10 and accelerate the switch from LPG to piped gas, following supply disruptions during the West Asia crisis.
Commodities Kerala Agri Varsity to Support Agri-Enterprises in Value Addition, Market Expansion
Kerala Agricultural University will continue supporting agri-enterprises that add value to produce, generating higher income and employment. The Agri Business Incubator provides training, incubation and market linkages for FPOs and entrepreneurs, with success stories like Juz Crush exporting processed products and PALA Santhom Factory FPO winning a state-level Best FPO award.
Commodities US Natural Gas Rises as Texas Heat Outlook Boosts Power Demand
Nymex September natural gas futures settled 3.2% higher at $2.776/mmBtu as intense Texas heat lifted power demand. Houston temperatures are expected to average 100F from August 20-23, and ERCOT peak load could set a record this week. BNEF data showed Lower-48 dry gas production at 112.5 bcf/day, up 2.6% year-over-year.
Commodities India offers city gas distributors 200 SCM cheaper domestic gas for every new PNG connection
India will offer city gas distributors 200 SCM of lower-priced domestic natural gas for every new billed household PNG connection, effective September 1. The incentive aims to activate unused connections and expand networks, potentially cutting the payback period for distributor capital expenditure to about three years from 10 years.
Commodities Russia Turns to Asia for Refined Fuel, Set to Receive Nearly 270,000 Tonnes in August
Russia is importing nearly 270,000 metric tonnes of refined fuel from Asia in August via ship-to-ship transfers after Ukrainian strikes disrupted domestic refinery output, according to shipping data and trade sources cited by Reuters. About one-third of the cargoes originated in India, with the rest loaded off South Korea and Malaysia. The imports mark a sharp reversal for Russia, a major net exporter of refined petroleum products, which has also extended its own fuel export bans into next year.
Commodities India's July Crude Oil Imports Rise Over 9% Month-on-Month, PPAC Data Shows
India's crude oil imports rose more than 9% month-on-month in July 2026, and 13% year-on-year, according to PPAC data cited by The Economic Times. Product exports rose over 8%, while fuel consumption hit a four-month high of 19.92 million metric tons. Refiners are facing a crude cost surge as Gulf premiums rise and Russian discounts vanish, the report added.
Commodities Indian steel mills face margin squeeze as global coking coal prices rise
Rising global coking coal prices, driven by supply disruptions in Australia, China and the Iran war, are squeezing Indian steel mill margins. Premium hard coking coal averaged $236 per metric tonne FOB Australia in Jan-Jul 2026, up 25% year-on-year, according to CRU. Steelmakers face higher costs and limited pricing power amid cheap Chinese steel competition.
Commodities Rapeseed meal exports push India’s oilmeal exports up 18.41% in May
India's oilmeal exports increased 18.41% year-on-year in May 2026 to 3.73 lakh tonnes, driven by a surge in rapeseed meal shipments to China and other Asian markets, according to the Solvent Extractors' Association of India. Total April-May oilmeal exports fell 5.37% due to a sharp drop in soybean meal, while planting data show soybean acreage marginally lower.
Commodities Gold Rate Today, Aug 19: 22K and 24K Prices for Major Indian Cities
Gold prices in India were mixed on August 19, 2026, with the national 22-carat rate at ₹14,255 per gram, down ₹85. The Hindu BusinessLine's opening line reported a city-wide rally, but its city-level data showed declines across most markets for both 22K and 24K gold. Mumbai's 24-carat 1-gram price rose ₹89 to ₹14,968, the only gain in that segment.
Commodities Gold Near-Term Outlook Positive After 0.7% Weekly Gain; Spot Tests $4,450
Gold extended its climb above $4,400 this week and briefly tested $4,450 before a global bond selloff pulled spot prices back toward $4,340-4,360, according to the report. Gold ETFs added $3 billion in July and China extended its buying streak to 21 months. Fed minutes and Jackson Hole comments are the key near-term triggers.
Commodities Gold Edges Higher as Yields Ease, Markets Await Fed Minutes Amid Iran Tensions
Gold prices edged higher in early Asian trade as US Treasury yields eased, with investors awaiting Federal Reserve meeting minutes. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $4,342.33 an ounce, while December futures fell 0.6%. Traders see a 65% chance rates stay unchanged in September and a 35% chance of a hike.
Commodities Hindustan Zinc raises green energy share to 22%, targets 70% by FY28
Hindustan Zinc has raised its green energy share to 22% of total power consumption, up from about 18% in FY2025-26. The Vedanta group firm targets 70% renewable power by FY2027-28 and expanded its Serentica Renewables agreement to 530 MW.
Commodities Indian Refiners Forced to Buy Oil at Premium as Russian Discounts Vanish
Indian refiners are paying sharply higher premiums for Gulf and West African crude as the Middle East conflict tightens physical supply, while discounts on Russian and Venezuelan oil have narrowed or disappeared. Brent futures have risen about $10 a barrel in two weeks, and US Senate tariff legislation could add further pressure on global supplies.
Commodities SLB wins Brunei Shell Petroleum contract to revive shut-in offshore wells
SLB has been awarded a production restoration contract by Brunei Shell Petroleum, a Shell subsidiary, targeting shut-in wells across multiple offshore fields. The integrated contract covers subsurface evaluation, well candidate selection, engineering, and offshore execution, and marks the first such solution for BSP, according to Splash247.
Commodities Arabian Drilling Expands GCC Footprint with Oman Rig Deal, Signs Masirah Oil Contract
Arabian Drilling, Saudi Arabia’s largest drilling contractor by fleet size, has signed a contract with Masirah Oil and Northern Offshore for two firm and two optional wells in Oman, according to Splash247. The deal marks the company’s entry into a new GCC market, while it also resumed operations on suspended offshore rigs in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
Commodities U.S. Diesel Crack Spread Hits Record $102 a Barrel, Signaling Q4 Supply Crunch
The U.S. diesel crack spread hit an all-time record of roughly $102 a barrel on August 17, 2026, according to Reuters figures cited by FreightWaves, with distillate inventories at the lowest level for that time of year since 1996. The spread, four to six times normal, points to a refining and supply crunch rather than a crude oil problem. FreightWaves frames it as an early-warning signal for diesel buyers heading into Q4.